People age 50 and older who live in Oregon are invited to sign up for the LIFE Registry. Those who join the registry will receive information about opportunities to participate in OSU research. Joining the registry does not obligate volunteers to be in any study.

The registry provides OSU researchers affiliated with the Center for Healthy Aging Research with contact information for people who may be interested in participating in studies or are a good match for a particular study. When a registry member is contacted, they will receive information about a study and then can decide whether or not to participate.

The registry is used by about 40 OSU faculty members affiliated with the Center for Healthy Aging Research. Studies conducted by faculty affiliated with the center might involve biological processes, exercise, balance, diet, families, psychological processes or new technologies for helping older adults to age in their own homes. Registry members have participated in several studies related to driving, for example, including research on the understandability of traffic signs and using back-up cameras.

Studies vary in length; some can be completed in less than an hour while others may last for several months or more. Depending on the type and nature of the research, studies may completed online or over the phone, or they may take place on the OSU campus, in the community or in the volunteer’s home.

The registry includes about 500 people now and organizers would like to add 500 more volunteers. The goal is to include volunteers of all backgrounds and there are no health requirements. Registry information is confidential and will be released only to Center for Healthy Aging Research faculty and their staff.

For more information about the registry, click here to fill out the online volunteer form. Interested volunteers may also call 541-737-4993.